President affirms equal application of law amid woman's fall probe
The statement follows ongoing investigations into the fall of Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed, a 21-year-old woman who was found injured on the roof of a warehouse.
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President Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the laws of the Maldives will be applied equally to all individuals, irrespective of their official positions, family connections, or social status.
The statement follows ongoing investigations into the fall of Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed, a 21-year-old woman who was found injured on the roof of a warehouse adjacent to a building in Henveiru last Friday. She was admitted to Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) on Saturday and later removed from ventilator support. She remains under treatment in the Intensive Care Unit.
Police have confirmed that Yumnu was accompanied at the time by Raud Ahmed Zilal, who, along with others including Izdian Mohamed Maumoon—a former Strategic Communications Undersecretary at the President’s Office—had attended a gathering at a building where Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen also resides. Izdian and Raud are the minister's nephews.
President Muizzu issued a public statement on the matter, following allegations that the police investigation might be subject to political influence. In his remarks, the president reaffirmed the principle of equal treatment under the law.
"We have not and will not discriminate against anyone in the implementation of the Constitution and laws and the rule of law in this country. There will be no discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, position, wealth, friendship, family affiliation, political opinion or anything else," the president wrote.
In response to public concern over the investigation, a demonstration was held on Wednesday outside the Police Sergeant Adam Haleem Building by a group of young protestors demanding a fair process.
The Maldives Police Service announced that the passports of eight individuals linked to the incident have been seized. The names released are:
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Raud Ahmed Zilal, 21, of G. Eriyadhoo
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Aishath Layali Iqbal, 22, of G. Northbridge
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Izdian Mohamed Maumoon, 28, of MA. Mandhoogedhekunuge
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Yousuf Ahmed Akram, 22, of MA. Mandhoogedhekunuge
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Yousuf Yassar Abdul Ghafoor, 28, of H. Meenaz
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Aminath Junaida Jamsheed, 24, of M. Thilafalhu
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Hussain Hamees Ali, 28, of Ali/N. Velidhoo
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Ijaz Jaiz, 24, of Mathoda/GDh. Fares-Maathoda
Two officials affiliated with the President’s Office, identified as nephews of Ameen, were also subject to administrative action.
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Raud Ahmed Zilal, Undersecretary for Digital Strategy, has been suspended without pay and removed as Chairperson of the Youth Advisory Council.
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Izdian Mohamed Maumoon was terminated from his position as Strategic Communications Undersecretary.
Minister Ameen responded publicly on social media to address speculation surrounding his involvement. He clarified that the apartment is co-owned by himself and three siblings, and that the gathering did not take place within his residence. He stated he had no prior knowledge of the incident until Friday evening and denied any interference in the investigation. He also acknowledged that two of his nephews were questioned by police after the incident.
